Cardinals slide past Chucks boys' tennis, 5-4

The Chucks' Jared Burkett returns a first set ground stroke against the Cardinals' Tom Boyer. DCC went on to sneak a 5-4 decision over Punxsy on Monday in Punxsutawney. (Photo by Chris Myers of The Spirit)

By

Chris Myers

PUNXSUTAWNEY — An inexperienced team goes through growing pains, which is what the Punxsy boys' tennis spring season has been.

The young Chucks fell just shy of capturing their first victory on Monday afternoon.

DuBois Central Catholic prevailed in one more match, 5-4, to edge Punxsy.

"It was nice to get some more match wins tonight than we have been. The team played well and should be proud of their efforts," pointed out Chucks coach Lisa Good.

In the top singles slot, Joe Roberts came out on fire against the Cardinals' Ben Trinkley. Roberts blazed to a 6-1 first set win.
Trinkley, though, wouldn't go away as he made the second set much closer.

The top Punxsy player kept his head and played his game with nicely timed lobs that Trinkley had trouble chasing down as Roberts won 7-5 for the straight sets victory.

At number two singles, Jared Burkett did not fare quite as well. He suffered a 6-0 and 6-1 loss to DCC's Tom Boyer.

"As a first year player, it is very difficult to step up and play at number two," said Good. "Jared did a nice job and played better than the score indicated."

The Chucks' Josh Smith had a very long third singles match against Jacob Aravich but came out on the short end of a 6-2, 6-4 bout. A match which included many deuce points throughout its entirety.

DCC was able to prevail in the fourth and fifth single spots.

The Cardinals entries took care of Zach Jones (6-1 and 6-0) at number four and another straight sets win over the Chucks' Johnny Gigliotti (6-3 and 6-0) at the fifth slot.

"Both of these players have to take their practice game to their opponents," explained the Punxsy coach. "They tend to try to play it safe, but they need to throw all they've got when it comes game time."

The Punxsy doubles teams were far more successful.

At the number one pairing, Roberts and Burkett took care of Boyer and Kentoski, 8-5.

"That was the first time for Joe and Jared to team up together and I think they complimented each other 's play well," added Good.

In the second doubles, Jones and Gigliotti claimed an 8-4 win.
Smith and Cori States made it three doubles wins, 8-2, at the third team.

"It was really nice to see these four get their first double wins tonight," commented Good.